Diplomacy V - Spring 1901

Austria is in trouble. An Italian army decided to "bon journo" Trieste. And the Russians are belligerently knocking on the Galacian corridor. They need to find friends, and fast. Unfortunately, Turkey is a natural adversary for the Balkans, and the German player looks to have his hands full with a French campaign. This might be one of those short outings for Austria - although, it has occurred to me that this *might* be an elaborate ruse by Italy and Austria. Naw...that's a crazy longshot.

England, in concert with Germany, opened with an aggressive anti-French deployment. Having seized the English Channel, and with an apparent alliance with Germany, her future looks bright.

France was blindsided by a double assault, compounded by the critical failure to cover the vital province of Burgundy. Like Austria, France needs friends. Like Austria, potential suitors seem occupied elsewhere - Russia is pushing south and Italy has other concerns.

Germany shoved a massive foot into the doorway of France by seizing Burgundy. With strong opportunities for expansion, Germany looks to be one of the primary powers moving forward.

Italy boldly took Trieste. I applaud this gambit, as it immediately elevated Italy from the weakest power to a meaningful player in this contest. And with France and Germany occupied with each other, Italy can concentrate on the offensive unmolested.

Russia is the greatest beneficiary from the opening political shakedown. With no direct adversaries, Russia has the luxury of proceeding in security.

Turkey had a perplexing opening. He took the Black Sea, but did not follow up by moving to Armenia. As such, it is clearly not an anti-Russian offensive, but is sure to antagonize Russia nonetheless. And the army in Smyrna stayed put, contributing nothing. Thankfully, the corner position and a lack of hostilities provides Turkey with an opportunity for self-correction.